SPA considers regulation of betting in Brazil a success
While participating in the “Future of Betting in Brazil” panel, Carlos Renato Xavier took stock of the first full year of betting regulation.
In his view, this period demonstrated the measure’s complete success.
“Regulating the betting sector in Brazil is already proving to be a successful solution when compared to the long period without rules,” the undersecretary said.
“The existence of a regulated environment, characterised by ongoing state involvement and the SPA’s focus on consumer protection regulations, the preservation of the public interest and the industry’s health, reduces conflicts and prevents problems from escalating due to a lack of oversight.”
He further noted that since regulation began in 2024, the undersecretariat has been proactive in granting authorisations and drafting sector regulations. “It was a period of intense learning, including for our team, which sought technical improvement and knowledge through dialogue with operators, providers and other market stakeholders,” he stated.
The executive affirmed that the SPA was looking to the best international regulations to adopt the measures needed to structure the sector in Brazil. According to him, the SPA views the regulation of betting in the country as a success.
Successful international market experiences
According to Xavier, the time required to consolidate this regulatory framework came at a cost but also offered an advantage: the opportunity to observe problems and failures in other international experiences and, based on that, incorporate safeguards into the Brazilian model.
Last week, he said, clearly illustrated the intensity and scope of this work.
“We participated in a congressional debate attended by various government bodies and institutions, including representatives from the ministry of health, Conar and the consumer defence secretariat,” Xavier explained. “The meeting was more than just a debate; it was a forum where the government and society presented their views on the market and associated issues, making it clear that monitoring is not limited to the SPA.
“There is coordinated and vigilant action by various agencies. This reinforces the need for close monitoring to ensure a healthy, enduring and fraud-free market.”
He highlighted government actions to combat the illicit market as the sector’s primary challenge.
“Last week, two robust regulations aimed at combatting illegality were published,” he said.
“Furthermore, we have observed a significant shift in institutional discourse, with alignment among the presidency, the ministry of finance, and the ministry of justice to focus efforts in the right direction. This is not a step backward in the regulatory process; rather, it is an intensification of the fight against illegal operators who act outside the rules and increase risks to consumers, the economy and the sector’s integrity.”
According to him, the government remains convinced that regulation – accompanied by effective oversight and inter-agency cooperation – is essential to ensuring a responsible, transparent and sustainable betting market in Brazil.